Companions

Spacing

Sow and Plant

Poke holes in prepared seedbed and plant seeds 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Winter field beans may be planted in late summer, or in very early spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Primarily grown to increase soil nitrogen. Easier to turn under using hand tools compared to other cover crops. Small-seeded varieties are best for cover crop use.

Harvesting

For maximum nitrogen gain, chop plants down and turn them under as soon as they begin to bloom. You also can pull up the plants and compost them.

Troubleshooting

Winter field beans attract numerous beneficial insects. Do not grow them just before potatoes or other root crops, because field beans can host rootknot nematodes.